Coo Coo for Coconuts!

If I hear one more person ask me if coconut oil has more cholesterol than regular oil...I might...write an blog about it.

Oh Wait.


Myths:

1. High Cholesterol
Honestly this one kills me because for some reason it so profound and wide spread. Coconut Oil does *not* have more 'cholesterol' than other oils, nor does it raise your cholesterol levels.  

In fact, coconut oil has been shown to lower serum cholesterol levels with regular use.  Yup, I know! Total opposite of this silly myth.

2. More Fat Per Serving Than Other Fats.

Uh, in a word...no.  Coconut oil has the exact same caloric content as other fats - 1 tbsp is about 120 calories.  Just like olive, grape seed, hazelnut, and avocado oils.

3. The Saturated Fat Content

Ok, so, yes, cocount oil absolutely contains saturated fat. Before you get your knickers in a twist about it, you should *also* know that the primary type of saturated fat is has is a fancy little guy called medium chain fatty acids. (MCFA's for short).

MCFA's are pretty fabulous - after being injested, they turn into a fancy term called monoglycerides - basically a Pac-man that eats up harmful bacteria, germs, viruses, fungi and parasites.  Pret-ty amazing.  Immune system likey. A lot.

If you have the time (and inclination), you can read a more in depth summary about it here.

Still not convinced?  Check out these articles here, here , here.  I have more if you are interested. Just email me :)


So... now that you know  Coconut Oil is not the devil, let's chat about why you should be using it:

1. Reduces Sugar Cravings

Consistent coconut oil use has been shown to reduce sugar cravings.  Because it contains Lauric Acid, coconut will stabilize your blood sugar levels.

A tablespoon a day in your diet is all you need to instigate this kind of effect.  Great if you have a sweet tooth, and if you are concerned about the total freak out your pancreas has every time to have sugar (Which it does...everytime you eat sugar... totally and completely freaks out, and just throws piles of insulin a the problem...)

2. Instant Energy for the Liver

One of the cool things about coconut oil is that the gallbladder and liver do not need to digest or emulsify it. This means the energy coconut oil contains is immediately available to your body.

Very useful if you are about to go on a long run, or any kind of sustained cardiovasular exercise.  Many elite athletes I see use coconut oil prior to a long run/bike to feed the liver and to give a natural boost.


3. Lauric Acid Boosts Immunity

So, remember when I was talking about MCFA's?  Well the main MCFA is Lauric Acid (which, interestingly is found in mother's milk).  This fatty acid that is responsible for increasing our immunity by changing itself to something called monolaurin (the monoglyceride I mentioned above).

Monolaurin, or as I like to refer to it - PacMan - has been shown to kibosh microbes, bacteria and other parasites - either when topically or orally injested.

4. Coconut Oil Boosts your Metabolism!

A fat that can increase your metabolism.  Yes, Christmas is all-year-round.  Again - the MCFA's are used up almost instantly as energy (by the liver and gallbladder) and coconut oil seems to also be able stimulate the thyroid & the thyroid hormones associated with weight management.

5. Ah-mazing for the skin
Dry lips, rashes, scrapes and burns, heal and fade with repeated intake of coconut oil. Just smother some coconut oil on it.

I am a huge fan of this.  Instead of dropping loads of money on skin creams, lip balms, and gels that are usually at the expense of whales and other animals, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. Very environment friendly.


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Be Healthy.